Comunn Eachdraidh Shlèite Sleat Local History Society

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If you have any information or questions on the history of Sleat that you would like to share with us, we would love to hear from you. We would also like to hear what you think of the website and if you could make a contribution to it.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 20/03/2018 at 03:17 AM

Hello, I have hit a brick wall researching my G G Grandfather Charles McIntosh. We believe he was born in Sleat abt 1819. we believe he came to Australia abt 1835 on The Maid of Athens. I have been unable to find any record of passengers on The Maid of Athens to clarify this. I have found a Charles McIntosh b abt 1819 Sleat in Scottish censuses (1841 / 1861 etc) but I don’t think he’s ‘mine’ as ‘my’ Charles was in Australia by then. Might there be any clues in Sleat? Any help would be greatly appreciated. happy to join the society if that helps! Kind regards, Emily Branford, South Australia

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 12/03/2018 at 04:26 PM

Hello, I was wondering if you have information or no someone who has on the ancient community of Baravaig near Isle Ornsay. I know today the land is a sort of hunting park owned/or was by Sir Ian Noble. Most of the inhabitants immigrated in the 1800’s. I would also like to find a survey map dating before 1860 (copy). Any history of the community and community of Isle Ornsay or were to find it would be welcome.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 19/10/2017 at 06:55 AM

I need information about my great great grandfather Donald Campbell - born in Sleat around 1801; married in Bracadale 1824.

He came to Australia on the ship The Midlothian. Left Uig August 1837, arrived Sydney December 1837. The families on The Midlothian were sponsored by Rev. John Dunmore Lang and promised work in Australia.

24 adults and children died from illness on the voyage out, including poor little Archie.

The family settled in the Hunter Valley NSW. I have more information about their lives.

I want to find info on Donald’s family in Sleat - his parents, and brothers and/or sisters.

I would love to meet any long lost cousins living on Skye or elsewhere.

Thanks, Marilyn

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 22/07/2017 at 05:48 AM

Hi

Would anyone have any informationconcerning John Martin aged 80 living at Elishader at the time of the 1841 census. Was he married to a Janet (surname unknown)?
Did he have any siblings? Did he remarry a Catherine (surname unknown).
Would anyone know also who were the parents of William Martin (who married Christian Macdonald)were? In the 1851 census his mother’s name appears to be “Ket”, but Ancestry record it as “Ret”. Could Ret be Margaret? Is Ret a name used for Margaret in Skye?
Stephen Martin
Australia

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 11/06/2017 at 12:56 AM

Am not sure if your site is still operative.
My interest is in the family of Donald Robertson & Margaret Beaton, Camuscross, Sleat - any antecedents or descendants. Most of the latter migrated to Australia in the mid 1800s. Happy to exchange information.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 03/02/2017 at 04:26 AM

Hello
I am looking for information about my second great grandfather John Campbell who left Skye on the ship Henry Porcher in Oct 1839 bound for Australia. He was accompanied by his wife Christina (Robertson) and son John. Any information regarding his history would be welcome. Thanks Barbara

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 15/01/2017 at 03:39 AM

Hi, I’m looking for information on my GGG Grandmother who came from, I believe Aird. She ended up on the William Nicol to Australia but the passenger list only states fathers name & not children. We know Isabella’s father was John Macinnes but cannot find who her mother was. It just says on the passenger list John Macinnes + 7 children. Can you steer me in the right direction to find out. Thank you

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 22/12/2016 at 01:35 AM

Hi, I am currently researching my family tree; the family oral history is that we were originally from Sleat - my maiden name is Holmes - and came to Yorkshire with the MacDonalds during the English Civil War. I am unable to find any trace of Holmes in the Skye records. There is/was an oral history in Skye (not sure of the exact location) which matches my understanding. Would be grateful if anyone could be of assistance

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 07/12/2016 at 09:21 PM

Does anyone have any info on my maternal greatgrandmother Euphemia McClure (or the variable surname spellings). She was born Drumfearn 24 June 1840 to Malcolm MacLure and Mary / Margaret Grant. She moved to Fife, probably seeking work, where she married John Duncan on 15 Dec 1866 in Freuchie Manse, Falkland, Fife. She died 1 October 1904 in Kirkcaldy, Fife.

Posted by Chris Neary on 22/11/2016 at 09:51 PM

The coat of arms of Macdonald of Sleat is on a shield in St Davids Cathedral, St Davids, Pembrokeshire, Wales. Does anyone know what the connection is between the family and the Cathedral?

Posted by John McDonald on 31/10/2016 at 10:14 PM

I am looking for any information on Donald McDonald and Angus Gillies who both died on The Sound of Sleat on the 1st of December 1857.
Angus was married to Mary Gillies ne Mcdougall and Donald had been married to Janet McDonald ne Gillies. Working on family tree and would love to know more about this incident and any other information.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 30/10/2016 at 05:24 AM

I’d love to confirm my ancestral links, Thanks in advance and well Done on a great site to meet, link and learn

Posted by Dave Smith on 14/09/2016 at 10:23 AM

What is the origin of the name Kyle/Caol Rhea?
I know caol means narrows, but where does the Rhea part come from ?

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 25/08/2016 at 12:32 AM

I’m looking for family of a Neil Macpherson from Sleat who married a Janet Robertson & they moved to Coldstream. They were my Great x3 grandparents. They had children called Christina, Ann, Margaret & Mary. I have found the burial of Neil, Janet, Christina, Margaret & Mary but not of Ann & I don’t know if they had any family or who they married apart from Mary who was my Great x2 grandmother. She married my Great Grandfather John Donaldson and they had children called Jessie, Peter, Agnes, John u, Mary A, James T, Isabella, David, Christina & Margaret Ellen Anderson Donaldson (my Great Grandma) married a John Maddison. I don’t know who any of Margaret E A Donaldsons siblings married or where they moved to I believe one could have moved to Cornwall, another could have moved to Morpeth, another to Australia, another to America and one stayed in Leitholm, Coldstream. This info is just by word of mouth so not 100%. Could any body help me please. Any information would be hugely appreciated. Thank you.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 13/07/2016 at 11:47 AM

Malcolm’s father Donald Robertson b. about 1774 married Margaret McKinnon b. 1782. married before 1814.

This family lived in the Parrish of Strath specifically Harapool and were crofters and ag. laborers. (Thinking perhaps the kelping industry?)

Does anyone know when Robertson families started settling in Skye?

Kindest Regards,

Mia H. Robertson

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 15/03/2016 at 09:05 PM

Hi, I’m looking to extend my MacPherson family and I am descended from Donald MacPherson and Christian or Christy Robertson who were married in 1821 in Tarskavaig. I have no idea when Donald died but Christy died in 1860 in Tarskavaig and is buried in Kilmore Churchyard in an unmarked grave. If anyone out there is descended from this family or may know who Donald’s parents were, it would be great to hear from you. Thanks

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 19/02/2016 at 05:57 PM

My maternal great grand-father, Lachlan McKenzie was born in Ord, sound of Sleat, Skye. He left the Island to celebrate his birthday, with his brother and took the King’s shilling; serving 22 years in the Scots Guards. His parents were John, Marion nee Beaton, they were crofters. My gt.gt. grandmother’s parents were Malcolm & Mary MacDonald. Marion & John’s children were Kirsty, Ronald. Alexander, thee was also a Gr
andson William MacRae. I would like to find out more, please.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 03/02/2016 at 02:08 PM

For the past 4/5 years have been trying to trace 2 of my Great Great Uncles who emigrated from Skye to ? New Zealand & Australia. Jonathan McInnes was born at No. 1 Scullamus on 28/01/1865 to Alexander & Jane nee MacKinnon. He’s on the 1871 & 1881 Census. Rumour has it he emigrated to New Zealand but I don’t know when or how. One of his younger brother’s Angus, born at same address on 15/06/1874, is rumoured to have emigrated to Australia, but again don’t know when or how, but he still included in 1911 Census as aged 37 (Crofter, Seaman). There were 9 children in all. Jonathan had an older sister Mary, & another 3 younger brothers; Alexander, John & James, + 3 younger sisters: Flora, Margaret & Marion. James emigrated to New York sometime in the ?1930’s, but I do remember meeting him as a child the very last time he was home in the mid 1960’s.

Would very much appreciate any information on Jonathan & Angus in particular.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 30/12/2015 at 03:46 AM

I am researching my G.Grandfather Angus McInnes born Isle of Sky abt 1846. He married my G. Grandmother Mary Jane Marjory Evans (Portsmouth, England) in New Zealand in 1874/76 and the two eldest of their children were born in Dunedin and Lyttleton prior to their moving to Australia. He and his sons were seamen and rowed the butcher boats out to sea off Newcastle NSW.
I know that it is a long shot not having parents names but marriage & death certificates only stated “of age”.
Any help would be appreciated.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 31/08/2015 at 09:13 AM

I’m looking for any information regarding the Martin Family. Martin Martin had a farm near Tote his daughter Janet married Donald Cameron and one of their sons Ewen Cameron was an Inn Keeper in Kylerhea.

Posted by Nan Brady on 17/06/2015 at 10:18 PM

Does anyone have info on Stewart family from Isle of Skye. According to census records my Gr/gr/grandfather was born in Broadford in 1820s. He was married in Dunbar in 1844 to Marion Tear and remained there until his death in 1901. His death cert gives his parents names as John Stewart and Christina Morrison. During his time in Dunbar he worked on various farms. Would be glad to hear from anyone who is also researching this family.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 10/05/2015 at 07:38 AM

Hi,
I am searching for information on Alexander McInnes born about 1857, Isle of Raasay who moved to Leicester and married Eva Lavinia Facer in 1884. They remained in Leicester up to 1911 census and his wife died there in 1951. He possibly died in 1934 Market Harbourer, Leceistershire. Alexander may have been the son of Duncan & Margaret McInnes as there is a son with them of the right age in 1861-1881 Portsea, Raasay, Invernessshire census returns. Can anyone confirm this please?

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 04/04/2015 at 06:29 AM

Hi, just came across your great site. I am descended from John McInnes b. abt 1796 Sleat Parish, Isle of Skye & Mary MacPherson b. abt. 1806 Scotland. Married abt 1830 Scotland. They had children: Angus 1830-1888; Finlay 1833-; Malcolm 1835-1907 (my ancestor); Ann 1838-1932; Donald abt 1841-1916. John also had children by a 1st wife Isabella McKinnon (Donald; Hector; Isabel; Charles & Isabella). John & Mary were married abt 1830 in Scotland & came to Australia on the ‘William Nicol’ from Isleornsay, Isle of Skye 1837. I would be pleased to hear from anyone who is connected or has any information.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 10/01/2015 at 05:07 AM

I am a great granddaughter of Catherine Robertson -
Skye 1863, Neil Macpherson was looking for family links. Catherine married Charles Brookes their daughter Jessie was my grandmother. I did try to forward more info. But his e.mail address has changed.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 24/09/2014 at 05:28 PM

I am trying to trace my grandmothers parents who came from sleat her name was Peggy macdonald she had one sister Janet my great gran waschristinesurname macdonald Madrid name macdonald her mother waschristine makinnon and her father wasalexander macdonald 1817 his father was Donald macdonald 1861crifterhe married effi McPherson I would like to know if anyone in sleat Is a descendant of the family kind regards ronald

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 12/09/2014 at 10:29 PM

I am researching the family of Martha MacKinnon b.1753 possibly of Corry or Borreraig, Parish of Strath. She married Daniel MacLeod b. 1746 and they emigrated from Skye in 1777. Daniel, brothers Norman, John and Alexander and his father Neil MacLeod became the McLeod Family of Tuckahoe and Horses Creek North Carolina.

Who were her parents and siblings?
Where were they from?
What were their circumstances?
Where did she marry Daniel MacLeod and when?

Thank you.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 25/06/2014 at 01:16 PM

My 5x Great Grandfather Alexander MacDonald was born sometime around 1750. He married a Kate McKinnon and had a son Niel MacDonald circa 1781 in Strath or Sleat. Niel later lived in Ardvasar and worked on the Armadale estate as a manager of horses. Two of his daughters were personal assistants to the Bosville-MacDonald family in England.

Around 1790 Alexander MacDonald moved from Skye to Paisley where he remarried to Jean Pollock and had my 4x Grt-Grandfather Donald MacDonald in 1795. I don’t know when Alexander MacDonald died.

Donald MacDonald later moved to Crosslee in Renfrewshire then Springburn in Glasgow. In 1851 his wife died and he moved to Sleat to be with his half brother Niel. Donald remarried to Margaret MacPherson (1851) then Margaret Nicolson (1862 at the Manse of Sleat). He settled in Calligary on Sleat where he died in 1879. During his life he worked as a Cotton Spinner and crofter.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 21/04/2014 at 05:44 AM

Hello, I am searching for proof of ancestors arriving in Australia. Archibald and Margaret McDonald, Archibald was born 1785 in inverness; parents Donald and Mary. Archibald married Margaret McDonald in 1813 her parents were Alexander and Margaret McDonald (nee Ross)
Archibald and Margaret immigrated to Australia in 1837 (some say on the William Nicol, however I cannot find proof) it is also said that he owned land, and sold the land to pay for his families way to Australia. (would love to find out what farm) children that came to Aust were, Donald, Alexander (sandy), Mary, Margret, John and Col.
Sandy, John and Col were all well known in the Monaro area.
I am searching for immigration, marriage, birth, christening, and land ownership records from Scotland. I have all death records from Australia.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 16/03/2014 at 10:13 PM

My name is Tess and I am the great, great,great, great, great grand daughter of Murdoch Gillies and was interested in finding out more of his history - Who his parents were, when he died and any other information you could provide from his family line. My great grandfather was John Gillies who was born in Montreal, Canada in 1911.

Thank you.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 04/02/2014 at 06:45 AM

Does anyone have information on a family MacPhee, originally from Isleornsay, Duisdale Beag. Hugh and Catherine MacPhee were married in 1880 and had 5 children, Alexander (b 1893), Dugald (b. 1880), Rachel (b 1882), Charlotte (b 1887)and Donald (b 1889).

Dugald appears to have emigrated to New Zealand and died at the Somme in 1916. Donald was a merchant seaman and died near Iceland in 1941.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 23/01/2014 at 12:14 PM

Hello, I have been using Scotlands people website to trace my roots.
according to records if correct my great great granddad was James Maclure born 1826 married 1849 to Margaret McGilvray. They were from Sleat.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 18/11/2013 at 12:55 PM

—————
Alexandrina Murray replied- to Diane
My Grandmother Alexandrina Macinnes was the daughter of Alexander MacInnes & Mary Grant MacDougall, who were my Great Grandparents. They were the parents of 17 girls, 8 of whom died and many sets of twins. My Grandma was the 16th girl and thought to be the last and named after her father Alexander MacInnes accordingly (Alexander McInnes). Grandmother Alexandrina MacInnes was the sister then of your Grandmother -Dianne. Which daughter was she , as I have traced everyone. Please contact me at alexandrina@inbox.com

Also I know that Alexander was the son of Malcolm MacInnes & Margaret MacInnes of Skye and he was the son of Myles MacInnes & Marion Mackenzie of Skye. Son of John MacInnes of Leitir-Fura. Alex’s mother Margaret MacInnes was daughter of Lachlan MacInnes & Grace MacLennan both also of Skye.

I am named after my Grandmother Alexandrina MacInnes. She was named after her father Alexander MacInnes. I certainly hope that you receive this.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 05/11/2013 at 04:47 AM

Dianne asked:

I am looking for any information on Alexander MacInnes , wife Mary Grant MacDougall married Jun 19 1874. They had 9 girls as one is my Grandmother. Any information would be good. Thank you.
>>> My reply
Alexandrina Macinnes was the daughter of Alexander MacInnes & Mary Grant MacDougall my Great Grandparents & parents of 17 girls 8 died.Grandma = 16th girl thought to be the last & named after father Alexander.

Grandmother Alexandrina was sister of your Grandmother. Which daughter was she? Also I know that Alexander was the son of Malcolm MacInnes & Margaret MacInnes of Skye son of Myles MacInnes & Marion Mackenzie of Skye Son of John MacInnes of Leitir-Fura. Alex’s mother Margaret MacInnes was daughter of Lachlan MacInnes & Grace MacLennan both also of Skye.I am named after my Grandmother Alexandrina MacInnes.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 02/10/2013 at 04:48 AM

I must say what a fantastic website with a lot of information and photos. Keep up the good work.
I am tracing my husband’s family tree and would like information on Archibald McGilvray (1790 -?) and his wife Janet/Jessie McGillivery (1792 - ?), emigrated to Australia in 1840 on board the Henry PORCHER.I do know a lot of McGillvrays lived and died the Wingham/Taree area on the Manning River Valley in the late 1800’s. Any more info would be appreciated.
cheers

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 03/09/2013 at 02:34 AM

Am looking for John McPherson, estimated BD 1785. Married Rebecca Bowen, emigrated to North Carolina,USA; probably,area around Lafayette and Raleigh. DNA from two descendants place him from Sleat. He was a farmer in North Carolina, probably same in Sleat. His children were Duncan McCall, Alexander Bowen,Malcom, Irene, John, Hugh,Daniel, Mary, and Asenath. Appreciate any information you might have.
I’m not sure all the girl’s names are correct.
PS: This is a copy of an earlier comment since I have changed email addresses

Posted by L. Currie (nee Cameron) on 27/08/2013 at 09:42 PM

My Cameron relatives came from the Sleat/Strath area, also the McLean side of the family. The last connection to Skye that I know of was my great grandmother’s sister Janet McLean, who never married, but worked for many years in the Ardvasar Post Office. She died aged 89 yrs in 1959. I believe she latterly lived in a house called Tigh alasdair in Ardvasar. Does anyone recall where this house was/is. My daughter will be working in this area over the next couple of weeks and i would like to pass on as many placenames connected to our family as possible. Thanks for a great site…don’t see any mention of family names in area associated with my family.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 14/07/2013 at 09:11 AM

Hi,
I’m trying to follow my great grandmother back. Her name was Janet Brew and she came from the Isle of Skye. She married James Mac Donald in Australia probably about 1860 -70 ish.
Jane Hopkins

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 28/05/2013 at 01:46 PM

I am researching my Beaton family tree and become stuck on John Beaton my 4x Great Grandfather abt 1792 he came from Strath in Skye his Son Angus Beaton moved to Malacleit North Uist I was wondering if anyone has any information on this family.
Seonag Scutt(nee Beaton)

Posted by Dianne on 08/04/2013 at 04:36 AM

I am looking for any information on Alexander MacInnes , wife Mary Grant MacDougall married Jun 19 1874. They had 9 girls as one is my Grandmother. Any information would be good. Thank you.

Posted by Jan Freemantle on 07/04/2013 at 02:07 AM

I am researching Campbell family history. Donald McAlpine Campbell was born in Sleat around 1838.He is my great-great-Grandfather.
Does anyone have any information. He moved to Glasgow. My grandmother who emigrated to Australia was his grand-daughter.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 02/04/2013 at 05:06 AM

Would greatly appreciate any info about Alan and Esther Blackburn who rented at Ostaig before emigrating to Salt Spring Island off Vancouver Island Canada in 1905. They were related to the Blackburn’s at Roshven and the McLarens at Samalaman near Glenuig
Thanks

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 18/03/2013 at 09:10 PM

Am researching the Kellys from Isle of Skye who settled in Moore/Chatham Counties of North Carolina from 1803 to perhaps 1810. Would love to contact Deanne who posted a note on 6/12/2012 who is also researching Kellys. My husband’s family goes back to Abner Kelly (1780 - 1810) who married Penelope (we think) Gunter.

Posted by David Hutchison on 13/03/2013 at 11:20 AM

In my earlier post of 25/10/2010 I requested information to help write up a history of Tarskavaig, a typical Sleat coastal crofting village. The recently updated history focuses on the turbulent 19th century, but also covers the broader period 1500-2010.

The 125 page history can be viewed and downloaded from The Islands Book Trust website http://www.theislandsbooktrust.com/education-and-research/tarskavaig-history/

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 27/02/2013 at 11:03 AM

hi lois im tracy my great grandfather mother was an ann nicolson her husband drown fishing she live to 100 i was told her son capt samuel was born 13.01.1896 him and 2 of his brothers came to new zealand t live.i also have the issues of the macdonalds and martins and nicolson and also hold the book of samuel nicolson the brave sons of skye.my grandfather was samuel ian nicolson he passed awy 1979. the capt samuel he married elizabeth nee pounder robertson in sydney australia. the brave sons of skye was written by alieut col john mac innes. would love t hear from u thank you tracy

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 21/02/2013 at 01:52 PM

www.skyemacphersons.co.uk is a website setting out the family descendants of Duncan & Mary (Maclean) MacPherson, Kilmore, Sleat.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 23/01/2013 at 11:33 PM

I ‘m looking for any information on this family lived in the Monaro district of NSW Austrlia. Isaac appears to have no birth records here although there is a record of an Isaac McGuiness born in 1848 in NSW Isaac Married Annie Hoyles in Adelong NSW 1884 and they had 6 children one of whom was my Grandmother. The originally came from the Highlands/Islands of Scotland and were Roman Catholics. Can anyone help!

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 31/12/2012 at 02:22 PM

Folks

I have had my DNA taken for family research via FTDNA, an American company. Interestingly although my family is from Breakish I found a cousin in Glenelg who I didnt know.

Macphersons came to Skye in the 15th Century with Uisdean MacDonald and settled in Ostaig.

Be interesting to see how much we are connected via DNA,

Kenny

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 31/12/2012 at 02:15 PM

Folks

I have a Skye Macpherson page on facebook, please feel free to join

http://www.facebook.com/groups/29663914755/

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 19/11/2012 at 05:29 PM

Would be grateful for information re family of Samuel Love, born 1797, Sleat, Isle of Skye. He emigrated at age 18 to Kilcar, Ireland, to be a teacher. I know only that he had one brother.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 16/11/2012 at 08:58 PM

Am looking for John McPherson, estimated BD 1780. Married Rebecca Bowen, emigrated to North Carolina; probably,area around Lafayette and Raleigh. DNA from two descendents place him from Sleat. He was a farmer in North Carolina, probably same in Sleat. His children were Duncan McCall, Alexander Bowen,Malcom, Irene, John, Hugh Daniel, Mary, and Asenath. Appreciate any information you might have.

Posted by John Begg on 11/11/2012 at 08:46 PM

We are trying to locate information on my wifes Gt Gt Grandmother Mary MacDonald who was born in Sleat around 1809. Her parents were Donald MacDonald and Euphemia MacDonald. Mary married Peter Gordon in Blair Atholl in 1839 and died there in 1882. Any help would be most welcome.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 03/10/2012 at 10:43 PM

I am looking for information about the Alexr Mcleod family. Their son Donald mcLeod DOB 10/jun/1827 left for PEI, CA from Inverness, Scotland. Sometime later he married a Mary Gibbs snf one child I know about is my GGrandmother Susan A Mcleod ended up in the USA in Maine. She was born 12/Oct/1872. Woujld love to hear from anyone who might have some family history to add to this. I am new at Genealogy!
Susan B Knight
Dixfield, ME 04224

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 01/10/2012 at 10:52 PM

My grandmother was Isabella Kelly and came from either Tarskavaig or Tokavaig and I understand her father was involved in shark fishing. I think it was somewhere near a ruined castle. I think she was born around 1860.

Any information of her and her parents would be appreciated.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 23/08/2012 at 06:19 PM

My Great (4X) Grandmother’s maiden name was Barbara Kelly, from Parish Sleat, born in 1767.
She married Duncan McCleod, also a resident of Skye, and departed for the states, eventually settling in Moore County, North Carolina. I was just tracing back one branch of the tree and came upon this site. Nice!

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 12/08/2012 at 02:34 AM

My great(3x) grandfather was born in Sleat @1785. He joined the Gordon Highlanders in 1803 and was wounded at Maya Heights in Spain in 1813.According to his discharge papers he was from a place called Sholt in the parish of Sleat.Most of the Gordons spoke gaelic at that time, so I’ve been trying to figure out what the gaelic spelling would be for a place that sounded like Sholt to an English speaker? His name was Jonathon McInnis, he was tailor during and after his military service. He was also a Chelsea Pensioner. I don’t believe he ever returned to Skye, he settled along the Don River in Aberdeenshire. He died between 1851 and 1861.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 29/07/2012 at 04:08 AM

Just sorting out my ancesters from Cape Breton.Norman MacDonald states on the census for Cape Breton dated 1901 that he immigrated in 1840 or 48 the writing is poor. On his deat cert. it states he came from North Uist.I have yet to discover who his father and mother were and if they stayed behind . He was born about 1827. Any help greatly appreciated. Mary

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 15/07/2012 at 09:47 PM

My name is Alexander McColm, McClure MCNally. I’m looking to see if my family (McClure) have links to Sleat. I know they came over from Irland at some time but unsure if they came from Sleat or Harris. Will find out from family tree which my sister has and get back to you.

Posted by Deanne on 22/06/2012 at 07:55 AM

Great site, very interesting. I am researching the Kelly’s from Skye and wondered if anyone was doing the same. My husband’s line goes back to Farquhar Kelly 1770-1840 & he married Christina MacKinnon. Waiting in anticipation.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 10/06/2012 at 01:50 PM

Hugh (Ewan) Macpherson c1792 - 1865 married Mary MacDonald c 1800 - died in Camuscross in 1875. Their children were Marion 1820 - 1889 who married Donald Martin, Alexander c 1826, Finlay 1827, Marion 1830 -1910 who married Donald Nicolson, Neil c 1835 and Donald 1839 -1912 (a ship’s rigger who married Margaret Brown).
I hope this helps somebody and if anybody has further information it will be gladly received.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 10/06/2012 at 01:40 PM

My GGG Grandfather Finlay Macpherson c1757 - c1827 lived a 2 Ferindonald and married (1) Marion MacGillivray c1760 - c1808.Information is in the book The MacGillivrays of Skye pp A5 & A 13 but I cannot get my hands on a copy of this book. Their son Hugh (Ewan) c 1792 - 1865 born Sleat was a cooper and in 1842 was living in Camuscross. His daughter Marion was born there in 1820. More on this branch in a separate post. Finlay Macpherson married (2) Catherine MacGillivray c1786 - 1871. Their children were John c 1810 Isabella C1812 Neil 1813 and Martin c 1818. Martin and his wife Janet Buchanan and two children Mary and Alexander emigrated to NZ on the Hornet in 1854.I hope for further information to add to the tree.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 07/06/2012 at 09:46 PM

Hi, My Pappa Donald MacGillvray came from Sleat in Skye. He lived at Ferrindonald. His older5 brother took over the corft on their father’s death and after serving his crofting apprenticeship and doing much droving (walking on occasion from Sleat to Kyle Rhea, across the ferry there then on to the markets in Lanark and back, droving the cows to market)before becoming gamekeeper on Rum Eigg and Muck, at which he worked until my mother was age for high school.

Rather than have my mother live in a hostel, as she would have had to do were the family to remain living in Rum, my pappa became the shepherd on Ben Nevis. They lived in Nevis Bank cottage.

I would like any information, on my family, available, please and I thank you in anticipation of your help.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 07/06/2012 at 02:59 AM

I am looking for descendants of Donald Kennedy who m. Isabella Bruce in 1849. They had a daughter, Annie, b. about 1857 who might have married my Edwin Booth Gordon in Hulme Lancashire in 1881. Annie died in India in 1897 of cholera. Her marriage certificate lists her father as Donald Kennedy, farmer. Edwin named his first daughter (by his second wife) Annie and the names Isabelle and Bruce are found in the next generation. I am trying to break through a brick wall re. Annie’s Kennedy line.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 29/05/2012 at 08:38 AM

Hi,
I read roddies article that he posted on this guest book,
It seems like we are trying to find the same information. It could be that we are related.
It would be great if he could get in touch with me even though it is 12 months.
This is a great site to visit for some one from a different country.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 01/05/2012 at 10:25 AM

What a great site so much information contributed. My McInnes ancesters came from Sleat. My great grandfather Archibald born Argyll circa 1834, he eventually settled in Lancashire around 186. Marriage certificate states father also an Archibald born around 1800 his father possibly a John from Leitir Fura, although another brief family history written in 1934 says Archibald, son of Archibald, son of Archibald, son of Archibald. I knew from research that Archibald was not a name of Skye until later in the 1800’s the family went to mainland Argyll I believe around the 1780’s/1790’s.
My great grandfather and a sister Margaret (possibly a half sister who never married) were orphaned at an early age and were cared for by an Uncle, and given an education until they were able to support themselves. Any information on the McInnes’s who left Sleat for Argyll particularly christian names welcome.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 20/03/2012 at 04:13 AM

Hi I am hoping to find help in tracing my family. My great grandfather and great grandmother immigrated to NY in the 30’s and I am trying to find family members and exactly where they were from. My grandfathers name was Harry/ Henry McInnes he went by both, we are now not sure what his real name was. And as for my great grandmother, her name was Martha McInnes. My great grandfather’s family owned a trolly compan, as well

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 20/03/2012 at 04:13 AM

I have just found this site -I am visiting Skye in July 2012 and am struck by the names some of you are looking for.I was looking for Jessie McGillevary b 1833, Alexander Mathieson Robertson b1824, Rachel Mathieson b1785-these names are in my tree and i am wondering if they came from Skye?
Would be grateful for help.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 15/03/2012 at 07:39 PM

I have just discovered my grandfather’s two cousins’ names on the Sleat war memorial - Hamish and Ian MacIntyre of Kinloch. Would love to hear from anyone with any connections to this family. I am related to their mother Eliza Campbell. Enjoyed visiting the site!

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 13/03/2012 at 03:44 PM

Hve just started tracing my family history -
John Mcninnes B 1772 Flora Mcinnes b1768
Lived at 48 Lower Breakish Strath - croft owner
Had a son Hector Mcinnes who married Clementina.
They had a daughter Flora, who again had a daughter Clementina, who in turn had a daughter Flora - My Grand-mother - settled in Liverpool UK.
I would be very interested if any-one knew anything else or could point us in the right direction please

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 03/03/2012 at 09:18 PM

What a great web site i am doing my family tree on both sides of the family.
so any information you know would be grateful. form flora

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 18/02/2012 at 08:37 AM

Looking for the parents of Samuel Nicolson born about 1565 and passed before 1600 lived on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
Research information I have found say his parent are Alexander Nicolson and Margaret Nicolson born in Sleat Inverness-Shire, Scotland.
Can anyone help is seeing if that is correct.
Samuel Nicolson married a Anne. They had three children Alasdair Nicolson, Margaret Nicolson born 1591 & Angus Nicolson.
If anyone find any information on the family please let me known.
Thanks for your help

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 15/02/2012 at 05:50 AM

Interested in any early info on McInnes from Camuscross, Isleornsay, Duisdalemore, Leitir Fura, Drunfearn….and family connections. Thank you

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 11/02/2012 at 05:06 AM

What a wonderful web site. It’s so lovely to see the photos and dream of visiting the home of my ancestors. John Macdonald had a son Archibald who chose not to go to America with his father, brother and sisters in 1800, but instead stay and marry Susan Robertson. Some of Archibald and Susan’s sons and daughters John the elder, John the younger, Allan, Mary and Flora emigrated to Australia and led very successful lives, all settling on the Lower Manning River and around Grafton NSW. Thanks to their sacrifice and hard work, we are all proud Australians still never forgetting our roots. This site makes it seem closer and even more beautiful. Thanks again. I look forward to visiting Skye one day to walk in the footsteps of those wonderful ancestors.

Posted by Kim Douglas on 06/12/2011 at 04:09 AM

Hi, very good site, I have the parish of sleat on my list of things to do, I am tracing my ancestor, Hugh Douglas, also known as Sholto McPherson, Parish of sleat was the last place he knew freedom before being sent to Australia for 7 years (we are still here by the way). He was visiting Relatives in sleat and that is who I am looking for, Hugh’s mother was Isobel McPherson and his father was Donald Douglas, as you can see they are quite common names, so I think some legwork is in order, I am looking forward to visiting and seeing your lovely isle.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 02/12/2011 at 10:05 PM

My great great grandfather was born in Sleat. His name was John Morrison. He was a veteran of the Crimean war,fighting in the ranks of the 93rd Highlanders and he was present at the most important engagements in the Crimea. He died 1895 in Edinburgh aged 68. I have a photograph of him. If anyone has any records of the Morrison family in Sleat then please let me know as I would be very interested in learing more about my family history.

Posted by Margaret Gauld on 28/11/2011 at 09:35 PM

My great grandmother Margaret was born in sleat Isle of Skye to Christy McGillivray and John Mclean in the 1800’s. Is there anyone I could contact to try to get any information about them?

Posted by Roddie Macpherson on 25/10/2011 at 11:15 AM

Worth putting up a message here for family research.

I posted in March and have since been able to identify the old family croft and a number of cousins.

Posted by Shirley Tanner on 07/10/2011 at 10:50 AM

Enjoyed this site very much. My interest in Tarskavaig is the family of Miles/Myles & Catherine Mackinnon. 1841 Scotland Census. The family left Scotland on the “Hercules” in 1853. Catherine was deceased at this time and Myles died on board ship at Campbelltown Dec 1852 before sailing for Australia. The children were then under the care of the eldest child Marion/Mary.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 02/08/2011 at 08:43 PM

I was on holiday recently on Skye and did a bit of research on my family tree, discovering that my great great great grandfather, Alexander MacGillivray, married Catherine Robertson and lived in Sleat at “half 19 Aird”. My great great grandmother was Janet MacGillivray and I think they left there and moved to mainland Scotland between 1851 and 1861. We visited the site of the croft where the lady living at the same address very kindly showed us around the area on what was a very squally day! I would be grateful if anyone else has any other information on this branch of the MacGillivray/Robertson family.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 31/05/2011 at 07:55 PM

Family research question - granpa John Macdonald was the missionary at Isleornsay 1931 to 1935 and was accompanied by his wife Murdina and daughter Peggy. The Mission House was opposite the Isleornsay hotel. I have 2 cousins who still recall visiting the family there and of a Granny Nicolson who lived nearby and had a goat!

Are there any photos of this period available please?

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 19/05/2011 at 08:49 PM

Great to see a photo of my grandfather Neil Anderson, taken at Tormore. It brings back memories of times spent with him when Tormore was a working farm.

I haven’t managed to get to Skye for about 7 years and miss it very much; maybe this year!

Keith Colville,
Perth

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 15/03/2011 at 03:44 AM

Hi,

I was given recently a photo copy of a picture of residents from The Ilse of Skye who were boading the Canterbury sailing ship that sailed to NZ in 1874. I believe that the photo was taken in Skye but the boat sailed from Glasgow. Has anyone else every heard or seen this photo? Many of my MacPherson, Robertson, Fraser ancestors were on this boat.

Many thanks
Donna Shaw
New Zealand

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 12/03/2011 at 07:07 PM

Most interesting site. Great to see pictures of where my ancestors lived. I’d love to find out more about them.Here is a history my 5x ggrandparents:Niel MacKinnon (crofter)bc1751 and Mary MacGillivray, parents of Lachlan MacKinnon (tailor) bc1771 Sleat d1857 Camuscross,living in Cruard 1841 and Camuscross 1851.Wife Mary or Margaret Robertson bc1776 Sleat d1856 Camuscross.Her parent were John Robertson and Ann MacInnes. Dau Flora Mackinnon married Archd Macdonald (mariner.)Left Camuscross:none of their children were born there.Brother Lachlan a tailor and died in Camuscross, unmar. Two other daughters Rachel and Mary cannot be traced, i assume they died young.Her brother Charles (a mariner) died 1841-1851 married Ann Kennedy d1899 Camuscross. Their daughter Janet Mackinnon m John Kennedy and all their children were born Camuscross.Their son John never married but became a schoolteacher shown to be living in upper Breakish,Strath in 1891. If anyone recognises anyone i’d love to hear from them. Thankyou.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 05/03/2011 at 08:38 PM

Have enjoyed looking at your excellent site.

My gt. gf. Duncan McPherson was born at Kilmore in 1825. His parents were Martin, crofter, & Janet (nee McPherson). One of his brother’s Angus was a ‘pensioner’ in 1871 Census. Angus was known as The Soldier and there appears to be reference to Soldier’s Field locally.

In the 1871 Census, the household included a granddaughter Catherine Robertson, age given as 7.

I hope to visit the Clan Donald centre to do some research. If anyone has information that might help, I’d be really interested.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 26/02/2011 at 02:46 PM

Hello

I am the great great great grand-daughter of a Donald MacPherson and Christian Robertson. I believe they were both from the Sleat area and that Christian’s parents were from Tarskavaig and she is buried in Kilmore Church yard there. Would love to know more about both sides and I do know that Christian’s parents were Alexander Robertson and Mary Buchanan. I am trying to get a rounder picture of their life there. Donald and Christian’s son, also Donald married a Mary MacDonald in Perthshire but he was also born in Tarskavaig. Would love any information on why it was that the family moved from Tarskavaig to Perthshire. Were they driven out off their land, as they were known to be Shepherds? Even if you are related to them in some way, would love to hear from you. Warmest regards Elizabeth

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 29/01/2011 at 11:10 PM

Are you looking for McGillivray (of various spellings)families in Australia. I maybe able to assist.

Heather McGillivray
Archivist
Clan MacGillivray Society - Aust.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 19/01/2011 at 04:15 AM

Any relations to Donald Maclure ,(Catechist) born about 1791 in sleat, and his wife Christy Stewart , born about 1796 on sleat. I would love to hear from you.

This is a great site

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 12/11/2010 at 12:41 PM

We Scots ROCK, I am so proud of my heritage and thank my dad for letting me know what he had the chance to tell me, I guess it was just to be proud of being a Scot. As he was proud even tho he was born here in Australia, like I was, but, your heritage means more and makes you who you are, so, be proud. Any proud Scots may e-mail me anytime. Nicolsons especially, would be nice to hear from fellow Nicolsons.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 29/10/2010 at 11:35 PM

My great-great-great-grandparents were Neil MacPherson, of Kilmore at the time, and Flora MacDonald of Aird of Sleat who married at Kilmore on 3 February 1824. They had five children born at Aird before they emigrated to Canada in 1836, after which two more children were born. Neil was apparently a worker from Snizort, but I believe Flora was of an Aird family. I should like to identify her parents and also know where they all lived while in Aird. Their oldest son was named Duncan, perhaps a clue to Flora’s parentage. Perhaps their old house is pictured in the wonderful photo of Aird on your Aird page!

Posted by David Hutchison on 25/10/2010 at 11:05 AM

My ‘Robertson’ family moved to Tarskavaig (Crofts 30 and 31) after it was founded in 1811. Following completion of the family tree, I thought it would be a good idea to try and write up a general history of the village to try and understand how the family might have lived and survived the turbulent years of the 19th century. Any information about: the formation of the village; crofting; fishing; kelp; black cattle; schools; churches; and the way of life in the community, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, David Hutchison: robyardsb@hotmail.co.uk

Posted by Allan S. on 07/10/2010 at 03:10 PM

For more info. on Olympic wrestler Donald Archie MacDonald:

http://www.scotwrestle.co.uk/swcp2.htm

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 28/09/2010 at 03:49 PM

An excellent site! Congratulations to all concerned. I was headteacher of Ferrindonald Primary School from 1976 until it closed in 1983 and first headteacher of Sleat Primary for its first year of operation in late 83 until June of 84. It’s great to see such a portal for the rich history of Sleat. There’s plenty of interesting history connected with the schools and the folk connected with them which could also be added in due course. Old school registers and log books and school photos shouldn’t be too hard to find. May the site continue to develop!

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 24/09/2010 at 03:08 PM

I read the book, So Far from Skye and was told that the story was about how my ancestors migrated to Australia, I am a Granddaughter of John Alexander and Elaine Thelma Nicolson, my Pop was born in Kongwak, Victoria, my Grandmother was born in Colac, I think. My father John Wills Nicolson, passed 2 weeks ago, I was told by him to be proud of my heritage, which I am and I would like to learn more, I have tried Haggis once and liked it. I live in Darwin Australia and would like to buy or learn to make haggis. Does anyone know how to make it?

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 01/09/2010 at 09:16 PM

I have traced my partner’s paternal ancestors to Skye, mainly Sleat and Strath areas. His Great-grandfather, Archibald MacIntosh married Mary Nicolson, born 1820 in Sleat.His grandfather, also Archibald MacIntosh, born Strath in 1857 was orphaned as a baby and was brought up by his uncle, Alexander Nicolson, a schoolmaster living in Camiscross (1861 Census). Alexander’s daughter Mary C. Nicolson is shown on the same census as ‘born Sleat’

We are visiting Skye next week and plan to visit the places where his ancestors lived and died. How lovely it would be to find living relatives - as until several months ago we knew nothing of his Skye roots.

Your web site is fantastic - like finding a live link with the past.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 28/08/2010 at 09:56 PM

my father in law Hector MacDonald (born in Skye 10/7/1913) remembers Archie Campbell who is in one of the photo’s on the gallery - Archie was the skipper of a private yacht, which belonged to the owner of the Teachers Whisky Distilery.

Hector says that Archie was the ‘presenter’ who lead the singing in his fathers church. At the time of Hector’s mothers death and the return of her remains to Sleat for burial at the church (now a private property)it was Archie who lead the singing at her funeral.

Posted by helen murtagh (mcpherson) on 19/08/2010 at 12:21 PM

Hi such an interesting web site i was just investigating my great great great grandfathers family John Mcpherson born 1817 in the Isle of Skye and married Marion Mckay then immigrated to Mount Gambier,South Australia,Australia. They had a son Lachlan Mcpherson who married Elizabeth Seebohn and had 11 children. I was after more information on John Mcpherson.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 11/08/2010 at 09:11 AM

Just started to research my maternal grandmother’s family. Her mother, Margaret Gillies, emigrated from Sleat to NZ in 1874 along with her 7 siblings and her parents, Archibald and Ann Gillies. Archibald’s father was Peter Gillies and his mother Annabella MacKinnon. Ann’s father was Hugh MacDonald and mother Christina Cameron. I can’t find out anything beyond this. They were all Sleat people and probably married at Kilmore church. Any information would be great. I suspect that Peter and Annabella would have been born late 1700’s, as with Hugh and Christina. I think Hugh died 1881 in Sleat.It was amazing finding this site- I feel as if I have discovered my roots.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 09/08/2010 at 08:38 PM

Fantastic website….very well designed and helpful. Recently found my grandmothers family originate from Strath and Sleat (Robertson’s). I have posted an email to group seeking further information and providing my research thus far including old photos of Skye in her album.

John Young

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 09/08/2010 at 11:43 AM

I am in the early stages of tracing my McInnes ancestor’s.
I am linked through Crieff to Glenelg & Isle of Skye. If anyone can assist with information, I would be very grateful.
Due to vist Glenelg again, at New Year 2010/11 and plans are ongoing to hopefully be married on the Glenelg ferry in May 2011.

Many thanks

Dennis Whitteron

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 02/08/2010 at 04:33 PM

i am trying to trace my ancesstors margaret macdonald was the illigitmate daughter of helen macdonald was the daughter of alexander macdonald and christie mackinnon. she was born on the 13th of1856 in sleat. helen married ronald mackenzie in1893 in st.rollex glasgow.
alexander macdonlad and christie mackinnon were married in 28th november 1853 in port glasgow renfrew.christie was born1820 in strath skye.1881census christie was a widow living in no.17 tarskavaig with her other children ann macdonald born 1854 euphania macdonald 8th of march 1859 and john macdonald b.1861and her grand children alex maclennan aged 4 and chrissie mamackenzie aged 5 both born in sleata n unmarried siste rin law effy macdonald aged 70 was also in the household presumably a sister of her late husband alexander macdonald

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 25/06/2010 at 02:49 AM

I hope to make my first and probably the last trip to Skye this fall. My great grandfather Neil McLure never lost his desire to return to his home from Canada. I have heard that if you are decended from the Isle of Skye you will always hear a voice calling you home. I hear it.
Neil was born January 1855, the son of Alexander McLure and Peggy McInnes.